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Obituary for James Ross
James A. Ross, 83 of Earlham passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021 at the Community Care Center in Stuart after a four year battle with cancer. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, October 30 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 255 East 1st Street in Earlham. A committal service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 1 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, PO Box 190688, Hungry Horse, MT 59919. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Jim was born on February 25, 1938 to Donald and Hazel (Gibbs) Ross on a farm east of Earlham. As a youngster he attended Earlham Schools and enjoyed showing cattle and trapping. In 1961, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. He was honorably discharged in May, 1964. He was a proud veteran receiving a quilt of valor in June 2017. At the time of his passing EveryStep Hospice presented him with a certificate of recognition and appreciation for his service. They presented him with one flag; later turning into six flags as each time they visited Jim requested another flag. He said serving was an honor and a privilege.
Jim devoted his life to farming and raising cattle. He was a descent farmer but no mechanic. His true passion was cattle. In the early 80’s he left the family farm to pursue a dream of working on a cattle ranch in Montana. His heart always stayed in Montana as anyone could attest by his stories but the family farm called him back after 2 years. He was always looking to improve his commercial herd and prided himself in the condition of the fat cattle he raised with his father, Don. As time allowed many a folk could find him under a horse putting on a set of shoes or in the basement working in his leather shop. For many years Jim was in charge of the mounted horse patrol and was the Livestock Control Officer for the Iowa State Fair and Iowa Beef Expo. In 2013 he was selected a Friend of the Iowa Beef Expo.
Jim was known for his quick wit and his stories. He loved visiting folks around Earlham in his Jeep and those that frequented Pitzer Road were aware the Jeep never traveled too fast.
He is preceded in death by his parents. And shortly before his death had a dream his dad was waiting for him at the barn doors. He also had a nightmare he got in fight with Trump but that story is for another day. Make Farming Great Again – Turnrows (His favorite sweatshirt).
He is survived by his special friend Jean Ganoe; daughters, Jodie Ross of Helena, MT and Mitzi (Chad) Fleming of Bloomfield, IA; grandchildren: Grace, Chance and Payton; sisters, Pat Altwegg of Clive, IA and Marilyn Jennings of Snohomish, WA; and a host of extended family and friends that will miss him dearly.
